Brett Favre's final snap as a pro (maybe), the decision of Lebron James going to Miami, the Lakers proving NBA dominance by winning the NBA title, and the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series are all highlights of the sports year that was 2010. What do we have to look forward to in the year of 2011, well here is a sneak peak of what may happen in different sports.
Melo to New Jersey/Brooklyn- The NBA has one major story that will carry over past the new year and that is the future destination of star Carmelo Anthony. Melo has said he will only sign an extension with the New York Knicks, but how about going to Brooklyn instead. With the Nets moving from Jersey to Brooklyn soon, I predict Carmelo Anthony will become a Net instead. I feel like the Nets will make a heavy push to surround him with a supporting cast he will be happy with in order to compete. In a broader sense, Carmelo will be traded to New Jersey, get surrounded by some actual players, and ultimately sign the extension with the Nets.
Atlanta will return to the Superbowl- Atlanta has not been a major contender since Jamal Anderson was running the ball, Chris Chandler was anchoring this team, and the dirty bird was in style. This year Atlanta has proven to be the most consistent team in the NFL, and has shown every week that they are for real. Despite the Saints breathing down their backs, the Falcons have not faltered. Matt Ryan is throwing the ball better then any Quarterback in the league, and Michael Turner is back to old form. Prediction here, Superbowl appearance.
Red Sox huge offseason ends up being a bust- The Red Sox summer was nothing but smiles for the city of Boston. On paper the Sox are the best team in the MLB arguablly, and have the pennant all but locked up. For a bold predicition, how about these moves not pan out. I can see the injury bug hitting this team in a major way. The Red Sox pitching staff has not stayed healthy in years, and there are many players on this roster who seem to be put on the DL every year. Prediction, Yankees win the AL East, Red Sox get the wild card and get beat before the World Series.
Make sure you keep an eye on these three predictions throughout the year. Happy Sports New Year!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Brett Favre's Legacy...Now and Later
Now that Brett Favre’s miraculous consecutive start streak has ended at 297 and with his career finally winding down, how will and how should people remember Brett Favre the Quarterback?
Favre’s off the field issues over the past couple years may certainly taint the way people look at Favre now. His multiple retirement debacles during his final years in Green Bay, his only year in New York and this past year again in Minnesota have made us really sick of hearing about Brett Favre. Favre dominated sports news talk for months at a time during the spring and summer seasons on whether or not he wanted to come back or if his body would let him. Now the whole Jenn Sterger fiasco has tainted his image as well, but through it all, Favre suited up every Sunday and played his heart out.
This year, his “final year” in the league with the Vikings has been one of the worst seasons of Favre’s career. Favre has looked awful most of the season and he has lost the Favre charisma that has made him so successful throughout his career. Only 10 touchdowns to 18 interceptions this season and a completion percentage barely above 60% has pushed Favre one step closer to the retirement door. This is not the season anyone anticipated would happen especially after last year where Favre put up some of the best numbers of his career. Favre could not recreate that same magic this year and now it is believed to be over after a devastating hit by a Bills defenseman last week which injured his throwing shoulder. What is believed to be Favre’s last throw in the NFL was an interception, typical of the old gun-slinging Favre that we have known throughout his entire career.
Sure, when sports fan and non-sports fan look at Favre now, they will say that he should have hung it up years ago after his final year in Green Bay or maybe after last season with Minnesota because both were miraculous years for the “wonder boy” Favre. People will also remember Favre for his controversy for the Sterger investigation, but what about five, ten, twenty years from now? How will people remember Favre then? Let me tell you how people should remember Favre after he is out of the game.
Favre should be remembered for all the years in Green Bay where he led countless amounts of 4th quarter comebacks. Favre was dubbed the gunslinger for a reason because he was not afraid to take chances and trusted him arm. Granted, he is the NFL’s all-time interception leader, but without that mentality, he would not be the Brett Favre we knew and loved growing up. Teams that were playing Favre never wanted to see the game on the line come down to Favre’s arm. No matter how much time was on the clock, Favre would find a way to lead his team downfield for the final second victory.
Every time Favre threw a touchdown pass, whether it was to Freeman, Sharpe, Driver, or anyone else, he acted like it was his first throwing TD he had ever thrown and ran around with both arms in the air, grin from cheek to cheek. Favre was intense, but was never reluctant to show his inner child. Favre loved the game of football and anyone who ever had the privilege of watching him play saw that boyish side of him every game.
That is how Favre should be remembered, a fearless quarterback that played that game with a passion unmatched by anyone else in the league.
Favre’s off the field issues over the past couple years may certainly taint the way people look at Favre now. His multiple retirement debacles during his final years in Green Bay, his only year in New York and this past year again in Minnesota have made us really sick of hearing about Brett Favre. Favre dominated sports news talk for months at a time during the spring and summer seasons on whether or not he wanted to come back or if his body would let him. Now the whole Jenn Sterger fiasco has tainted his image as well, but through it all, Favre suited up every Sunday and played his heart out.
This year, his “final year” in the league with the Vikings has been one of the worst seasons of Favre’s career. Favre has looked awful most of the season and he has lost the Favre charisma that has made him so successful throughout his career. Only 10 touchdowns to 18 interceptions this season and a completion percentage barely above 60% has pushed Favre one step closer to the retirement door. This is not the season anyone anticipated would happen especially after last year where Favre put up some of the best numbers of his career. Favre could not recreate that same magic this year and now it is believed to be over after a devastating hit by a Bills defenseman last week which injured his throwing shoulder. What is believed to be Favre’s last throw in the NFL was an interception, typical of the old gun-slinging Favre that we have known throughout his entire career.
Sure, when sports fan and non-sports fan look at Favre now, they will say that he should have hung it up years ago after his final year in Green Bay or maybe after last season with Minnesota because both were miraculous years for the “wonder boy” Favre. People will also remember Favre for his controversy for the Sterger investigation, but what about five, ten, twenty years from now? How will people remember Favre then? Let me tell you how people should remember Favre after he is out of the game.
Favre should be remembered for all the years in Green Bay where he led countless amounts of 4th quarter comebacks. Favre was dubbed the gunslinger for a reason because he was not afraid to take chances and trusted him arm. Granted, he is the NFL’s all-time interception leader, but without that mentality, he would not be the Brett Favre we knew and loved growing up. Teams that were playing Favre never wanted to see the game on the line come down to Favre’s arm. No matter how much time was on the clock, Favre would find a way to lead his team downfield for the final second victory.
Every time Favre threw a touchdown pass, whether it was to Freeman, Sharpe, Driver, or anyone else, he acted like it was his first throwing TD he had ever thrown and ran around with both arms in the air, grin from cheek to cheek. Favre was intense, but was never reluctant to show his inner child. Favre loved the game of football and anyone who ever had the privilege of watching him play saw that boyish side of him every game.
That is how Favre should be remembered, a fearless quarterback that played that game with a passion unmatched by anyone else in the league.
Cliff Lee makes a statement
Cliff Lee, perhaps the most sought after pitching free agent since C.C. Sabathia a few winters ago signed with the Philadelphia Phillies last night. While that may seem as no surprise to some and a great surprise to many, Lee simply made the decision based upon where he and his family wanted to spend the next five to six years of their lives together. Ultimately that place was not New York , Boston , Texas , or Los Angeles
It's not about the money, it’s about the game.
In an off-season were we have seen Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford sign astronomical deals that will keep them in Washington and Boston respectively for the next seven years, and the master of all things team oriented Derek Jeter hold out for more money because he wanted to be paid for his past successes instead of the ones he could earn on the field in the future. We saw Cliff Lee and his agent last night stand up for the people who still believe that this game a) does not need a salary cap, and b)believe that players are not all greedy people who just want the money and the years of security so they can "feed their families."
Now let's not give Cliff too much credit here, he is going to making a hefty sum of money over the next five maybe even six years inPhiladelphia
Hopefully this signing and decision by Cliff Lee will ultimately send a ripple effect through athletes in all sports to allow themselves to make decisions not based on their wallet but based on their heart and what they believe is right. Trust me when I say there are plenty of examples of having a player leave for the money. If you don’t believe that statement you haven’t been following sports for the past couple of decades.
It's not about the money, it’s about the game.
In an off-season were we have seen Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford sign astronomical deals that will keep them in Washington and Boston respectively for the next seven years, and the master of all things team oriented Derek Jeter hold out for more money because he wanted to be paid for his past successes instead of the ones he could earn on the field in the future. We saw Cliff Lee and his agent last night stand up for the people who still believe that this game a) does not need a salary cap, and b)believe that players are not all greedy people who just want the money and the years of security so they can "feed their families."
Now let's not give Cliff too much credit here, he is going to making a hefty sum of money over the next five maybe even six years in
Hopefully this signing and decision by Cliff Lee will ultimately send a ripple effect through athletes in all sports to allow themselves to make decisions not based on their wallet but based on their heart and what they believe is right. Trust me when I say there are plenty of examples of having a player leave for the money. If you don’t believe that statement you haven’t been following sports for the past couple of decades.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
How the Jayson Werth deal affects free agents
Over the weekend, you may have saw or heard that free agent OF Jayson Werth signed a 7 year contract worth $126 million with the Washington Nationals. Shocking, right? There were three big name free agents this off-season, Werth being one of them and the other two are SP Cliff Lee and OF Carl Crawford. In my personal opinion, I expected Crawford to be signed first because he is younger with more tools, but the Nationals proved me wrong by making a big splash and landing a big future piece of their team in Jayson Werth. Now how does that contract affect both Lee and Crawford moving forward? Let's take a look.
Crawford, 29, has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays and has made a big named for himself. He is capable of hitting for a .300, 15+ home runs and 40+ stolen bases a season. Crawford has good plate discipline, speed in the outfield and on the base path, an above average arm from left field, and now can bring veteran leadership to any clubhouse. Crawford can be a good lead off hitter, but I believe is more suitable for batting 2nd in the lineup because of the types of threats he can bring to any situation. He is the perfect guy to hit and run with due to his bat control, has pop in his bat and drive in runs, and can earn a walk as well. In the outfield, Crawford has been very consistent and reliable which is always a plus too. So should Crawford get the same deal or possibly even a better one than Werth? Then again, who has the money or who is willing to pay that?
In free agent history, not many teams have offered 8 years worth $160 million plus. Those type of numbers really narrow down the list on who is capable of signing Crawford. We all know the Yankees are not afraid to throw around numbers like that. For instance, Jeter signed a 10 year, $189 million contract, A-Rod signed a 10 year, $275 million contract, and Teixeira for 8 years, $180 million. That is insane! Most teams are afraid of offering more than 5 years, let alone 6, but now with the Werth signing, Crawford and Lee can push the ceiling a little bit higher with there offers.
I strongly believe once everything is said and done that Lee will end up back with the Rangers because Lee seems to care more about years than money. Crawford will either end up with the Yankees or the Red Sox. I can't say for sure where he will end up, but the team with the better deal for more years will wind up with the speedy Crawford.
Crawford, 29, has spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays and has made a big named for himself. He is capable of hitting for a .300, 15+ home runs and 40+ stolen bases a season. Crawford has good plate discipline, speed in the outfield and on the base path, an above average arm from left field, and now can bring veteran leadership to any clubhouse. Crawford can be a good lead off hitter, but I believe is more suitable for batting 2nd in the lineup because of the types of threats he can bring to any situation. He is the perfect guy to hit and run with due to his bat control, has pop in his bat and drive in runs, and can earn a walk as well. In the outfield, Crawford has been very consistent and reliable which is always a plus too. So should Crawford get the same deal or possibly even a better one than Werth? Then again, who has the money or who is willing to pay that?
In free agent history, not many teams have offered 8 years worth $160 million plus. Those type of numbers really narrow down the list on who is capable of signing Crawford. We all know the Yankees are not afraid to throw around numbers like that. For instance, Jeter signed a 10 year, $189 million contract, A-Rod signed a 10 year, $275 million contract, and Teixeira for 8 years, $180 million. That is insane! Most teams are afraid of offering more than 5 years, let alone 6, but now with the Werth signing, Crawford and Lee can push the ceiling a little bit higher with there offers.
I strongly believe once everything is said and done that Lee will end up back with the Rangers because Lee seems to care more about years than money. Crawford will either end up with the Yankees or the Red Sox. I can't say for sure where he will end up, but the team with the better deal for more years will wind up with the speedy Crawford.
Monday, December 6, 2010
How good is the Big East?
With the surprising Connecticut rising up to 6th in the current rankings, one may wonder how good the Big East Conference actually is. Currently there are six teams from the conference in the top 25, which includes Pittsburgh, Uconn, Syracuse, Georgetown, Villanova, and Notre Dame. How good are the teams in this conference though?
Pittsburgh will be the class of this conference throughout the year, and that is because of the solid play on both sides of the floor. They also are one of the top rebounding teams in the league, which is major in college hoops. Led by Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker, the Panthers will be a tough out come March. Connecticut has absolutely sent a wave through the whole NCAA with wins over Michigan State and Kentucky. The key has been their leader Kemba Walker who has brown up before the nations eyes. Before this season Walker would struggle to finish games strong because of fitness, but this year it looks like he is in the best shape of his career, and seems to be scoring over 25 in every other game. Austin Freeman has the same effect on Georgetown, as Walker does on Uconn. Freeman averages over 20 a game and is one the conferences top scorers.
Villanova's Corey duo of Stokes and Fisher hope to bring the Wildcats back to March, but can they? It will be a tough road for them as the leadership of Scottie Reynolds is not there. Reynolds was the leader of this squad for years, but with his graduation some one will need to step up. Notre Dame is 8-0 but there only quality win seems like Wisconsin. The truth will come out about the Irish on the next two games when they play Kentucky then Gonzaga. Notre Dame is a young team with little experience. Luke Harangody is no longer around to carry this team and it will be difficult to replace his production.
Outside the top 25 the Big East has three dark horses to watch for. Marquette, Louisville, and Providence can all be major players in the NCAA this year. The three teams are all young and feisty. Both Marquette and Providence will be in every game because of the competitive spirit of their young players. Louisville will struggle a little, but will live and die through there guards Preston Knowles and Mike Marra.
The rest of the conference will get significant wins here and there, but i do not expect much. The Big East will be a major player in March, most likely sending over six teams to the big dance. Some questions to stew over though... Will Connecticut continue to surprise the NCAA? Has Notre Dame been hiding behind their weak schedule to start the year? Is Pittsburgh the class of the conference? and lastly... Is the Big East the best conference in college hoops?
Pittsburgh will be the class of this conference throughout the year, and that is because of the solid play on both sides of the floor. They also are one of the top rebounding teams in the league, which is major in college hoops. Led by Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wanamaker, the Panthers will be a tough out come March. Connecticut has absolutely sent a wave through the whole NCAA with wins over Michigan State and Kentucky. The key has been their leader Kemba Walker who has brown up before the nations eyes. Before this season Walker would struggle to finish games strong because of fitness, but this year it looks like he is in the best shape of his career, and seems to be scoring over 25 in every other game. Austin Freeman has the same effect on Georgetown, as Walker does on Uconn. Freeman averages over 20 a game and is one the conferences top scorers.
Villanova's Corey duo of Stokes and Fisher hope to bring the Wildcats back to March, but can they? It will be a tough road for them as the leadership of Scottie Reynolds is not there. Reynolds was the leader of this squad for years, but with his graduation some one will need to step up. Notre Dame is 8-0 but there only quality win seems like Wisconsin. The truth will come out about the Irish on the next two games when they play Kentucky then Gonzaga. Notre Dame is a young team with little experience. Luke Harangody is no longer around to carry this team and it will be difficult to replace his production.
Outside the top 25 the Big East has three dark horses to watch for. Marquette, Louisville, and Providence can all be major players in the NCAA this year. The three teams are all young and feisty. Both Marquette and Providence will be in every game because of the competitive spirit of their young players. Louisville will struggle a little, but will live and die through there guards Preston Knowles and Mike Marra.
The rest of the conference will get significant wins here and there, but i do not expect much. The Big East will be a major player in March, most likely sending over six teams to the big dance. Some questions to stew over though... Will Connecticut continue to surprise the NCAA? Has Notre Dame been hiding behind their weak schedule to start the year? Is Pittsburgh the class of the conference? and lastly... Is the Big East the best conference in college hoops?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Best team in the NFC?
Who is the best team in the NFC? There are plenty of good, talented teams this year in the NFC, but one team stands out above the rest. The Atlanta Falcons stand alone has the best team through the first 11 games this season.
The Falcons are currently 9-2 going into Week 13 in which they take on division foe Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons only two losses came against the Steelers in OT and the Eagles. Sure there are plenty of other teams in the NFC that are just as talented like the Saints, Packers, Bears, Eagles, and Giants, but none are having the same consistent success the Falcons are.
The Falcons are lead by QB Matt Ryan or "Matty Ice" and he is having a MVP caliber type season. Ryan has thrown for 2715 yards with 19 TD's and limiting his turnovers with 5 INT's. The Falcons have not blown out any teams this season and Ryan has lead several 4th quarter game winning drives. Ryan is also accompanied by RB Michael Turner, who is also putting together a nice season as well. Turner has rushed for almost 1000 yards and 7 TD's. The receiving core is very talented and headed by Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. The Falcon defense has done a superb job this season shuting down every team they have played. Only once this season has the Falcon defense allowed more than 30 points in a game.
So what makes the Falcons more special than some of the other NFC teams that are having successful season? They are sitting atop the NFC South divison and are fighting against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints and this years surprising team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are 2-0 in their division this season, defeated the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, both of whom are playoff hopefuls. It also helps the Falcons are 6-0 at home and Ryan is 19-1 as a starter at home because if they continue their solid play, the Falcons might find themselves with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Falcons remaining schedule is not the easiet, but is favorable as 4 out of their last 5 games are against division rivals, so clinching their divison is in their grasp. While other teams in the NFC are having great years, the Falcons are the team to beat this season.
The Falcons are currently 9-2 going into Week 13 in which they take on division foe Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons only two losses came against the Steelers in OT and the Eagles. Sure there are plenty of other teams in the NFC that are just as talented like the Saints, Packers, Bears, Eagles, and Giants, but none are having the same consistent success the Falcons are.
The Falcons are lead by QB Matt Ryan or "Matty Ice" and he is having a MVP caliber type season. Ryan has thrown for 2715 yards with 19 TD's and limiting his turnovers with 5 INT's. The Falcons have not blown out any teams this season and Ryan has lead several 4th quarter game winning drives. Ryan is also accompanied by RB Michael Turner, who is also putting together a nice season as well. Turner has rushed for almost 1000 yards and 7 TD's. The receiving core is very talented and headed by Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. The Falcon defense has done a superb job this season shuting down every team they have played. Only once this season has the Falcon defense allowed more than 30 points in a game.
So what makes the Falcons more special than some of the other NFC teams that are having successful season? They are sitting atop the NFC South divison and are fighting against the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints and this years surprising team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are 2-0 in their division this season, defeated the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, both of whom are playoff hopefuls. It also helps the Falcons are 6-0 at home and Ryan is 19-1 as a starter at home because if they continue their solid play, the Falcons might find themselves with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Falcons remaining schedule is not the easiet, but is favorable as 4 out of their last 5 games are against division rivals, so clinching their divison is in their grasp. While other teams in the NFC are having great years, the Falcons are the team to beat this season.
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